Windshield Repair » broken windshield http://www.dr-csf.com Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:47:56 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Weathering Windshield Chip Repair http://www.dr-csf.com/weathering-windshield-chip-repair http://www.dr-csf.com/weathering-windshield-chip-repair#comments Sat, 15 Jan 2011 23:47:54 +0000 admin http://www.dr-csf.com/weathering-windshield-chip-repair


With the approach of spring, which often brings daily temperature fluctuations that can be as much as 20 degrees from early morning to late afternoon, many drivers will see that small chip in their windshields start to spread into a major crack. As the windshield and its frame expand and contract differently with temperature changes, stresses develop in the glass and become focused at the windshield’s weakest point, namely a chip. When the stresses become too great, they are released as a crack. The same thing can happen after a particularly cold night when the driver cranks on the heat in the morning to defrost the windshield.

Chip Repair, Just The Ticket To Avoid Tickets

A windshield chip or crack not only compromises the driver’s and passengers’ safety, by impairing visibility and structural integrity in low-speed crashes, but is often (an expensive) ticketable offense in most states. As an example, Michigan’s 36th District Court in Detroit lists a cracked or broken windshield as an “equipment violation” carrying a fine of $111 ($151 if you don’t pay in 20 days)! That’s much more than the cost of a chip repair. Especially since most insurance companies will waive your deductible and gladly cover the minimal cost of a chip repair to avoid future expenses such as windshield replacement or injury claims.

A Quick, Essentially Free Fix

Chip repair is relatively fast and easy. The procedure itself takes only 15-20 minutes and is a permanent fix for chips and small cracks. An easy rule of thumb: if the damage is smaller than a dollar bill it is most likely repairable. Damage areas bigger than a dollar bill will require windshield replacement.

In most cases, the repair to you is essentially free. The repair facility that you choose will ask for your insurance information and will handle the processing of your claim through your carrier. As mentioned before, most insurance companies are only too happy to cover the cost of a chip repair, knowing that this will save them big costs down the road. Many retailers also offer low or discounted “cash” pricing for chip repairs.

Types Of Damage To Look Out For

• Windshield Chips are usually small notches or grooves in the glass. Chips do not continue completely through the glass. When chips are small, they are usually easy to fix, but after continued temperature fluctuation cycles or flexing of the car due to a vicious pothole or rough road conditions they can begin to spread.

• Windshield Cracks are curved or straight lines that extend across the windshield. Cracks can extend from the front and back of the windshield. They can also exist on only one side of the windshield. Windshield cracks should be repaired as soon as possible because they can grow promptly.

• Windshield Star Breaks extend from a central point of damage with long cracks. This type of windshield crack can spread over time, so they should be repaired as soon as possible. Continued driving can prolong the damage.

• Windshield Bulls Eyes are circular windshield cracks and fractures that look similar to a target of concentric circles. A windshield bullseye break can often be repaired, but probably won’t disappear completely. If this type of glass break is in the driver’s line of sight, the windshield often needs to be replaced to ensure suitable visibility for driving. Bull’s eye windshield cracks should be repaired, even if they are not in the driver’s line of sight because they can quickly turn into additional cracks or star breaks.

The Bottom Line

It pays to get cracks and chips repaired as soon as possible. Both for safety and for saving money. An essentially free fix could wind up costing you hundreds of dollars in deductible costs if the crack spreads too far. In addition, with police departments trying to raise revenues wherever possible in this dismal economy, expensive tickets for cracked and chipped windshields will undoubtedly be issued in ever increasing numbers.

By: G Roy

About the Author:
http://www.belletire.com
Greg Roy is an expert advertising copy writer specializing in creating messages that not only get clients noticed, but also brings them desired results. People have trusted Belle Tire for the best value since 1922. For the best tire price, period, and great low prices on custom wheels, alignments, brakes, batteries, oil and lube, shocks and struts, windshield repair and replacement, and more, visit http://www.belletire.com. Also join our online communities: BELLE TIRE CARES BLOG, FACEBOOK, and TWITTER



]]> http://www.dr-csf.com/weathering-windshield-chip-repair/feed 0 Windshield Repair Claims and Insurance Companies http://www.dr-csf.com/windshield-repair-claims-and-insurance-companies http://www.dr-csf.com/windshield-repair-claims-and-insurance-companies#comments Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:40:20 +0000 admin http://dr-csf.com/windshield-repair-claims-and-insurance-companies Windshield Repair Claims and Insurance Companies

Is the windshield in your car broken, cracked, or busted and you are unsure if your insurance company will pay for the repair or not? Most windshield repairs will start out at about $300 in most glass company repair shops, and they increase depending on the types of window and the labor involved to repair it.

The truth is that most broken windshields are covered by most insurance policies. Any type of broken windshield that is caused by vandalism or other road hazards should be covered by the comprehensive section of your insurance policy. Most auto glass damage that is caused in automobile accidents and collisions are covered by the collision section of most insurance policies. In most cases, all of the glass in the automobile is covered by the policies, not just the windshield.

In cases involving a broken windshield, it is wise to consult with your auto insurance company and examine your policy to see what exactly is covered and how much they will pay. Your rates may or may not increase if you file a claim to repair your broken windshield or other broken glass in your vehicle.

It is a good idea to talk to your insurance company representative about your comprehensive coverage; however, your rates should not increase because you had your broken windshield repaired. Most insurance companies waive the deductible for windshield repair. This varies from company to company, so it is a good idea to check with your insurance company about the deductible waiver.

Whenever you contact your insurance company about auto glass claims, it is essential that you know and understand what you are doing. Did you know that many companies will give you the name and number of the person who will handle your broken windshield. However, what they fail to tell you is that they are not transferring you to another person in the insurance company; they are actually connecting you will an auto glass net work. Knowing this will help you talk about the claim with a little more confidence.

Windshield repair is something does not need to be difficult. As the matter of fact, most insurance companies will encourage the repair because they uphold safety first. Therefore, you should be familiar with your insurance policy offers in regards to windshield repair. Your insurance company may also recommend an auto glass company that would be good to repair your broken windshield. However, that does not mean that you have to use the recommended auto glass company.

You can choose which auto glass company you want to fix your broken windshield. The choice is yours, but you should always inform your insurance company of which auto glass company you choose to complete your repair. Remember one thing: your insurance company may require you to pay out of pocket if you use an auto glass company that is not recommended by them, but they will reimburse you some or all of what you paid.

They may also tell you that if you go to a shop that that is not recommended by them or on their list, there may not be any warranty. Good communication between you, the insurance company, and the auto glass company is essential. Be sure you know what your insurance company’s policy is on choosing company to complete your repairs.

Before you decide on a particular auto glass company, you may want to get a couple of estimates on your windshield. Chances are, you insurance company will do an estimate on your damages, but you will want to get a couple of different estimates so that you can compare and contrast prices. Sometimes, your insurance will guide you towards the cheapest way to repair your broken windshield. You work hard to have your car, so you should not just settle with anything. It is good to take the time to shop around and actually see what is available for you and your car.

In conclusion, when you are need of a new windshield or other auto glass, you need to be fully aware of what your insurance policy offers in regards to repairs and replacements. Each insurance policy is different and many offer different things, so before you decide on repairing your broken windshield you should contact your insurance company and see what exactly is offered on your policy and how you should proceed with getting the glass repaired.

Remember that auto accidents are covered in collision coverage and vandalism and damage from road hazards are covered under comprehensive coverage. Make sure that the damage is properly documented and remember, your rates should not increase because you used your insurance to fund the windshield repair.

Watch the video related to windshield repair

To view the previous video in this series click: www.monkeysee.com

Help answer the question about windshield repair


About Author

David Warren -
About the Author:

David Warren is owner of Apple Glass Company, a glass repair and replacement firm that serves the Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas markets. Contact David Warren at 281-440-1292 or visit http://www.appleglasscompany.com to schedule a service appointment.

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